An agreement was signed between the Service Dogs Malta Foundation and the Government, through which the Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering will invest €15,000 in funds to train an assistance dog, the third dog that will training is being given through financial assistance from the ministry.
This agreement was announced by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia Portelli in the presence of the Managing Director of the Service Dogs Malta Foundation Joseph Stafrace, during an activity that marked the beginning of the International Dog Week Assistance.
Minister Farrugia Portelli expressed her satisfaction in favor of this initiative. “Happy that once again we will be helping the Service Dogs Malta Foundation in their exceptional work in favor of inclusion. This award not only improves the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum but also highlights the tremendous contributions of the voluntary sector in the field of disability. I look forward to working much more with this union,” concluded the minister.
Joseph Stafrace said, “Through this financial aid that we are receiving from the ministry, the Service Dogs Malta Foundation will be in a position to continue offering its assistance to train more dogs that give quality life to people in need. In fact, six dogs have just graduated this year and I can happily announce that there are ten more dogs that are in training so that if they reach the expected level, in the year 2025 they will qualify as service dogs.”
This new funding will enable the foundation to train a guide dog specifically for the unique needs of a person on the autism spectrum, in order to foster greater independence, safety and emotional support. This grant will make a big difference in the life of the individual who will receive this dog as it will offer them a loyal companion who can help navigate daily challenges and improve their overall well-being.
Present for the signing of this agreement were a number of service-users who found the support of the Service Dogs Malta Foundation. Among them, Cedric, a young man with autism who through his dog Daisy has regained a lot of confidence which is helping him in his daily life. Also present was Kristina, who through her assistance dog Ollie, continued her educational journey at MCAST as she can now go out and get on the bus by herself, where before, without the dog, she could not do this
The Service Dogs Malta Foundation will be organizing a number of activities intended to raise awareness about the different experiences of all those who make use of an assistance dog during the International Week for Assistance Dogs from the 4th to -10 August 2024.
Permanent Secretary Mark Musu signed this agreement on behalf of the ministry.
